Things to Do in Amalfi Coast in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Amalfi Coast
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect shoulder season timing - you'll avoid the July-August crush when day-trippers from cruise ships clog Positano's narrow streets, but the weather is reliably warm enough for beach days. Hotels typically charge 30-40% less than peak summer rates.
- The sea temperature hits a comfortable 19-20°C (66-68°F) by mid-May, which is actually swimmable if you're not overly sensitive to cold water. Locals start their beach season now, and you'll see them at the smaller spiagge rather than the tourist beaches.
- Wisteria and bougainvillea are absolutely exploding in May - the purple cascades over every terrace wall and pergola. The lemon groves are flowering too, so the whole coast smells incredible. This is genuinely the most photogenic month.
- Restaurant reservations are still manageable - you can usually book a table at top spots like Da Adolfo or Lo Scoglio with 3-5 days notice, whereas summer requires weeks ahead. The outdoor terraces are open but not packed.
Considerations
- Weather is legitimately unpredictable in May - you might get a perfect 25°C (77°F) sunny week, or you might hit a rainy stretch where temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F) and stay grey for three days straight. Pack for both scenarios because forecasts beyond 3-4 days are basically guesswork.
- The water is still quite cool - 19°C (66°F) feels refreshing for about 10 minutes, then your fingers start going numb. If you're dreaming of long swimming sessions, you'll probably be disappointed. Locals wear wetsuits for anything beyond a quick dip.
- Some beach clubs and seasonal restaurants don't open until mid-May or even late May, particularly in smaller towns like Praiano. The ones that are open might have limited hours or menus. Always call ahead rather than just showing up.
Best Activities in May
Path of the Gods Hiking
May is genuinely the best month for this famous 8 km (5 mile) cliffside trail between Bomerano and Nocelle. Temperatures sit in the perfect 18-23°C (64-73°F) range - warm enough that you're not freezing at the exposed sections, cool enough that the uphill sections don't destroy you. The wildflowers are out, the light is softer than summer's harsh glare, and you'll encounter maybe a third of the hikers you'd see in July. Start early, around 8am, to avoid both crowds and the midday sun when that UV index of 8 really kicks in.
Amalfi Coast Boat Tours
The sea conditions in May are typically calmer than summer when afternoon winds pick up, making this ideal for exploring the coastline by water. You'll visit the Emerald Grotto, see Positano from the water, and stop at small beaches only accessible by boat. The 70% humidity actually feels pleasant out on the water with the breeze. Most importantly, boats aren't fully booked yet - you can often arrange same-day or next-day departures, whereas summer requires advance booking.
Pompeii and Herculaneum Day Trips
May weather is perfect for the exposed archaeological sites - hot enough to feel authentic to the ancient experience, but not the brutal 35°C (95°F) you'd endure in August when there's zero shade among the ruins. You'll need about 3 hours for Pompeii, 2 hours for Herculaneum. The latter is actually more impressive and far less crowded. Both sites are 40-50 minutes from Amalfi by car, or you can take the Circumvesuviana train from Sorrento.
Ravello Villa and Garden Visits
The gardens at Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo are at peak bloom in May, with roses, wisteria, and Mediterranean plants all flowering simultaneously. Ravello sits at 365 m (1,200 ft) elevation, so it's typically 2-3°C (4-5°F) cooler than the coast below - genuinely pleasant for wandering the terraced gardens. The town hosts the Ravello Festival starting late May, with outdoor classical concerts on the Villa Rufolo terrace overlooking the sea.
Cooking Classes and Food Experiences
May brings spring vegetables and the season's first tomatoes to local markets. Cooking classes typically include a market visit in the morning when everything's freshest, then 3-4 hours of hands-on cooking at a family home or agriturismo in the hills. You'll make fresh pasta, learn the proper sfusato amalfitano lemon techniques, and eat everything you've cooked. The indoor-outdoor nature of these experiences means weather doesn't really matter - perfect for those variable May days.
Capri Day Trips
The ferry ride from Positano or Amalfi takes 40-50 minutes, and May offers calmer seas than summer. Capri itself is stunning before the peak crowds arrive - you can actually walk through the Piazzetta without being crushed, and the chairlift to Monte Solaro operates in pleasant 20-22°C (68-72°F) temperatures at the 589 m (1,932 ft) summit. The Blue Grotto is hit-or-miss depending on daily sea conditions and light, but worth attempting in the typically calmer May mornings.
May Events & Festivals
Ravello Festival Opening
The prestigious classical music festival typically begins in late May, featuring outdoor concerts on the Villa Rufolo terrace with dramatic views over the coast. The opening performances are less crowded than the famous summer Wagner concerts. You'll see everything from chamber music to full orchestras, with the Mediterranean as your backdrop. Tickets range from 30-80 euros depending on seating and performance.
Feast of Sant'Andrea
Amalfi's patron saint celebration happens around May 27th with a religious procession carrying the saint's statue through town, followed by fireworks over the harbor. It's a genuine local event rather than a tourist show - you'll see families in their Sunday best and the cathedral packed for special mass. The town's restaurants offer traditional dishes, and there's a festive atmosphere in the piazza.